Govt buckles under political pressure, transfers top cop

Ravinder Vasudeva,
Jalandhar

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Updated: Aug 07, 2014 12:07 IST

As expected and discussed in political circles, the Punjab government has transferred Jalandhar commissioner of police (CP) Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh, whose nearly two-month tenure witnessed minimum political interference in the police functioning.

The DIG ranked officer, who had joined this posting on May 29, is known for his strict command over the police and that is why a large chunk of the political leaders were not happy with him and sources said, made repeated complaints against the CP.

Yurinder Singh Hayer, who has earlier remained as SSP Jalandhar Rural has been appointed as new police commissioner May 29. In his short stint, the city witnessed decrease in crime and stronger police vigil.

Sources said that it was a coterie of SAD-BJP leaders from the district, who had complained about the CP with the deputy CM because of not entertaining the “urgent” calls of the political leaders from the city.Also, he brought many changes into the police functioning including the formation of new wings and cells and also transferred station house officers as per their qualifications and capabilities and without their recommendation from the political bosses. He also compelled the high profile liquior shop owners to stop sale after 11 pm and also close, dhabas restaurants and bar after 11 pm to ensure peace in the city during night.

His transfer has also invoked strong reactions from different community on the facebook (FB) and the people have expressed their anger against the government by shifting an “honest” officer. Vijay Pratap has been transferred as deputy inspector general of police in Jalandhar range.

Jalandhar Hulchal, a community of people of FB wrote that “agar #jalandhar ki janta chaahe to yeh transfer rukvaa sakti hai ... raise ur voice for this honest offficer to get him back.... SHARE MAXIMUM & u can mail to #badal sarkar to stop this transfer >>> sukhbirbadal2014@gmail.com”(If people of the city want they can deter the state government from transferring Kunwar Vijay Partap Singh. Share maximum and write a mail to deputy CM Sukhbir Badal,” states the page. In a period of only one hour, it has got 22 shares and more than 200 comments in favour of the CP.

Many more such posts can be found on the FB that criticised the state government for the transfer.